§ Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will visit Wales to assess the effectiveness of the introduction of electronic banking at post offices. [122582]
§ Mr. TimmsUniversal banking went live in post offices on 1 April 2003 as scheduled. The Post Office is now providing electronic access to a wide range of bank accounts and is looking to extend these further. The provision of electronic banking services at post offices is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. I understand from the company that its introduction has gone extremely well and that the systems are working effectively. The Government's investment of £480 million on computerising the post office network means that the Post Office can achieve a new role as a convenient place for people to do their banking.